Two men have been locked up for life after being found guilty of raping a baby in a shocking UK case. Judge Mark Bishop slammed Ethan Towers, 27, and John Watson, 28, as “dangerous and a risk to the public” at Cambridge Crown Court.
The judge highlighted the “extreme youth” of the baby victim while reading out a victim statement from the baby’s mother. She revealed feeling “more isolated and fearful than ever” following the sickening attacks last summer.
Ethan Towers, from St Ives, Cambridgeshire, was sentenced to a minimum of 12 years and 5 months. John Watson, from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, received 13 years and 4 months behind bars.
Watson was also found guilty of sending and receiving explicit images with another child under 16, whom both men contacted via social media. A victim impact statement from this child expressed feeling “set free” following the convictions. Watson already had a sexual harm prevention order due to previous indecent image offences.
Towers pleaded guilty to five counts of rape, including offences involving indecent images of children. Watson admitted to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, along with charges relating to indecent images and sexual communication with a child.
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the case has been referred to safeguarding authorities. Both men received restraining orders and must pay a victim surcharge of £228.
These life sentences send a stark message: predators who harm our most vulnerable will face the full force of the law.
Originally published by UKNIP.
